Spain is the country with the second highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe. On the occassion of World Diabetes Day (celebrated every 14th of November), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has published relevant data on this so-called ‘silent disease’. "They say that there are 30 percent of the population who do not know they are diabetic", said the president of the Diabetic Support Group of the La Cala Lions Club o, Anne Bowles, who on Sunday 3rd of November held the VI Popular Walk 'Move against diabetes' in La Cala de Mijas.
The aim of this meeting was to inform, raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle among the population. "We could say that diabetes is a disease that is the result of our lifestyle, which we should change little by little, and that is why the Mijas Town Hall is collaborating in this initiative", said the councillor of the Foreginers Department, Mario Bravo (PP). The Sports Department also joined in the organisation of this activity in which, in addition to the two and a half kilometre walk, there were musical performances, stands and free glucose tests were offered.
- Entre los participantes se distribuyeron camisetas azules, el color de la lucha contra la diabetes.
Information and awareness
"We have been organising this activity for six years to raise awareness about diabetes, because a lot of people don't know they have diabetes", Bowles added. "We hope that little by little the word will spread and everyone will come together to support this cause", she added. "I participate because my mother and father have diabetes and I am afraid of having diabetes too and that's why I come every year to take this test", said one of the participants, Elke Nowak, who did not hesitate to take the glucose test.
The neighbour José Luis Rodríguez also agreed: "This is very good, and it saves me from going to the pharmacy, where I usually do this test. This is very good, this Lions Club does a very good job". Tthe same was expressed by another participant, David Calvo: "I think it is very interesting for everyone to know how their blood is".
- Actuación del Club de Esgrima de Mijas.
Mijas, dyed blue
Blue T-shirts, the colour of the fight against diabetes, were distributed among the participants. "The idea is to make people aware of the problems that this disease brings, especially the difficulties that a person with diabetes has to face, in fact this year's motto is diabetes and wellbeing. So today, the diabetes group here on the Costa del Sol, led by Anne Bowles, the Lions Club and the Town Hall are helping to raise awareness about this disease", added Bravo.
Prevalence in Spain
According to the IDF 537 million adults are currently living with diabetes worldwide. This is an increase of 16% (74 million) from previous estimates made in 2019. The IDF also notes that there are about 5.1 million adults in Spain living with diabetes. This implies that the number of people with diabetes has increased in Spain by 42% since 2019. The prevalence of diabetes in Spain has reached 14.8%. It affects one in seven adults and is the second highest rate in Europe.
- Extranjeros y Deportes colaboraron con el Club de Leones.
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation in response to increasing concern about the growing health threat posed by the disease. As every year, this day of awareness and visibility will once again be celebrated on the 14th of November and is celebrated every year on the 14th of November because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin together with Charles Best in 1922.
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